Posts Tagged ‘recreational program’
When the Teacher Takes a Page Out of the Camp Counselor’s Book
A wise mentor once told me, “Camp counselors need to learn from teachers, and teachers need to learn from camp counselors.” I got what he was saying, but I’m not sure I really got it. This week, I gave it a try. I’ve been feeling bogged down by my job. With standardized testing coming up,…
Read MoreHappy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Last Fall, this video, in which Lily Eskelsen Garcia explains ALL that teachers do each day, went viral. … And it’s true! Many teachers are caregivers, primary emotional support providers, instructional experts, snack-givers, referees, relationship-builders, and much more. Teachers, thank you for all that you do to promote confidence and help students find a sense…
Read MoreHappy Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week!
This week is National Afterschool Association (NAA)’s Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week! This week is a chance to thank the people who make an incredible range of afterschool activities possible for children and families across the United States. With two parents who worked full-time, I attended after-school activities throughout my childhood. I had the opportunity to…
Read MoreLittle Italy Restaurante in Anchorage: Thank you for your advocacy!
Little Italy Restaurante in Anchorage, Alaska recently demonstrated solidarity by refusing service. The restaurant stood behind its staff member with a disability, demonstrating that discrimination and disrespect would not be tolerated– by staff or customers. The restaurant’s management chose to value humanity over business. In addition to its extensive dine-in menu consisting of fan-favorite Italian and…
Read MorePercy Jackson on Disabilities
Growing up, the only exposure I had to disabilities was through face-to-face conversations and interactions through school- and community-based programs. It felt as though disability culture was shunned from the media. As we have been reading more and more about models with disabilities, dolls with disabilities, and characters in TV shows for adult and child…
Read MoreThinking of Inclusion This Halloween
Even as an adult, I always love Halloween. Delicious candy, carving Jack-o-Lanterns, frighteningly fun haunted houses, and the hilariously crazy costumes just scratch the surface of all that Halloween has to offer. Every year, I always have so much fun reminiscing about the unique costumes I’ve worn in the past– my favorites were the year…
Read MoreShe Keeps Moving
This week, we are sharing the story of Evie, a 20-month-old girl who is rocking inclusion! Thanks to her mom, Michelle, for sharing their experience with us. A couple weeks ago I was picking Evie up from daycare and noticed a huge display in the lobby titled, “It’s okay to be different”. The entire focus promoting inclusion…
Read More“They Didn’t Like Me”
Last week, I gave one of my first assignments to my English class– asking students to write a letter to their teachers, outlining their goals for this year and describing last year’s experience in school. One of the new students, who is new to our school this year, wrote, “At my old school, all of…
Read MoreWhose Kids Are They, Really?
“When you test your kids…” “I want to make sure your kids get what they need.” “What should we do about your kids?” As a special education teacher, I cannot count how many times I have heard general education teachers use some of the above phrases, referring to students with disabilities. As role models to the children with whom…
Read MoreThe Importance of Social-Emotional Learning
Imagine a child with whom you have worked in the past who had significant difficulty regulating his or her emotions. Perhaps this child came into school or daycare after getting into an argument with a sibling, and he or she was highly aggressive with adults or other kids. Maybe the child is a camper who…
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